“Young Master, drink it while it’s hot. The ginger tea will get cold soon.”
Seeing the Young Marquis staring at her in a daze, Honglian quickly picked up the spoon to feed him.
“I’ll do it myself.”
He took the bowl from her hands and downed the tea in a couple of gulps.
“Honglian, do you not want to serve me? If you’re unwilling, I’ll tell Uncle Fu…”
A personal maid was different from an ordinary servant. In addition to tending to the noble young master’s daily needs, she had to obey all commands—yes, including warming his bed—and she had no official status.
Of course, there were advantages too.
A personal maid had much higher standing than others.
After all, being able to accompany the master all day was a privilege others couldn’t compare to.
Though the Young Marquis was arrogant and indulgent, he was reportedly quite decent to his servants.
In Ji Huaian’s eyes, Honglian, with her martial skills, was like a little heroine. Making her a personal maid was simply a waste of talent.
Most importantly, if he ever developed impure thoughts, he feared this girl might cut him down with a single sword.
Back at Zuìhuā Tower, Honglian had never shown the original host a kind face.
Even if she wouldn’t dare strike him now, he still didn’t dare to act inappropriately. It would be better to bring back a gentler one.
From memory, Linglong had always been obedient, especially in bed.
This Honglian knew martial arts. He wasn’t sure he could handle her.
“Young Master, I’m not unwilling.” Honglian hurried to explain, looking flustered.
“Honglian, being a maid is too demeaning for you. Let Linglong come back.”
“Please, no, Young Master!”
Honglian’s eyes instantly reddened, and with a thud, she knelt.
Ji Huaian froze. “What are you doing?”
“Honglian admits she was wrong. Back at Zuìhuā Tower, I had to hide my identity, so I… From now on, whatever Young Master wants, I won’t resist. I’ll obey. Just don’t send me away.”
She spoke in a rush, face full of anxiety.
She clearly didn’t want to stay, so why…?
Thinking it over, he quickly understood.
The old Marquis had sent Honglian to serve him—not just as a personal maid but also as a bodyguard.
Honglian was a secret guard. To her, this was a mission.
If she was dismissed the very first day, that meant mission failure. And failed missions… usually ended badly.
Thinking about how ruthless the old Marquis could be, if he sent her back, she might not escape punishment.
“Forget it. Stay for now,” he said gloomily.
“Thank you, Young Master.” Honglian let out a long sigh of relief.
He coughed twice.
“Young Master, let me fetch a physician.”
“No need.”
Just as she turned to leave, he grabbed her small hand.
He squeezed it slightly in a testing manner. Honglian kept her head down and didn’t pull away.
“The doctor already saw me. It’s nothing serious. A hot bath and some sleep will do.”
“Then I’ll prepare the water.” Honglian quickly responded.
“Alright!” He nodded.
She left the room.
Soon after, she returned leading over ten pretty maids, each carrying a bucket of hot water. In no time, the large “bath pool” was filled—leaving Ji Huaian wide-eyed.
Honglian tested the temperature. “Young Master, the water’s ready.”
Ji Huaian snapped out of his daze and walked over. Steam rose from the bath.
Honglian stepped in front of him and reached to untie his belt.
“What are you doing?”
He panicked and grabbed her slender hand.
“Young Master, I’m helping you change.” Honglian looked up at him.
“Ahem… I’ll do it myself.”
He wasn’t used to a girl undressing him.
“Did I do something wrong?” Honglian bit her lip, looking aggrieved.
As a personal maid, if she wasn’t even allowed to help him change, what was the point? She’d likely be dismissed before long.
Seeing her wronged expression, Ji Huaian thought, I’m the Young Marquis now. I need to get used to this role. Some things, even if unfamiliar, I must accept.
It’s just getting undressed… what’s there to be afraid of? Coward.
“Alright then. Go ahead—undress me.”
He gritted his teeth and spread his arms.
Honglian blinked in surprise. Why did he look like he was about to be executed?
But she didn’t question it. She stepped forward and untied his belt.
It was her first time serving the Young Marquis, and she was nervous. Her delicate hands trembled slightly.
Ji Huaian was nervous too. Both their breathing quickened—they could even hear each other’s heartbeat.
Soon, she had completely undressed him. Out of instinct and curiosity, the little maid peeked downward—and instantly turned scarlet. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
He looked down too, then smirked lewdly. Despite being young, he was already well-endowed. Not bad, he thought, quite proud.
Though it drooped now, it still held its form.
Honglian helped him into the bath.
“So comfortable…”
The water was perfect. As his body relaxed, he let out a satisfied sigh.
The bath had a reclining section. He adjusted his posture and lay back, eyes closed in bliss.
Honglian lit an incense stick, then went to the tea area and brewed a pot of tea.
“Young Master, have some tea.”
She brought over a cup and held it to his lips.
The fragrance was rich and calming. He took a sip. It was mellow and refreshing—he instantly felt content.
As expected, no matter the era, the rich really know how to live.
As he drifted in thought, Honglian knelt by the bath and began gently massaging his temples.
Ji Huaian: “…”
Who would’ve thought… even ancient times had spa treatments.
“Is the pressure alright, Young Master?” Honglian asked.
“Perfect. Very good. I’m quite satisfied.” He smiled, eyes still closed, fully enjoying himself.
After massaging his temples, she offered another cup of tea, then worked on his neck and shoulders.
“Honglian, when did you come to the Marquis Residence? I don’t recall seeing you before.”
He made small talk out of boredom.
“Young Master, I came when I was five. The Marquis saved my life…”
Eleven years ago, shortly after the old Marquis moved to Yangzhou from the capital, during a bitter winter, orphaned Honglian collapsed from hunger and cold outside the Marquis gates.
The old Marquis rescued and took her in.
The Marquis Residence didn’t feed idle mouths, and the old Marquis wasn’t some benevolent saint. He took her in because he saw she was clever and talented, and personally trained her as a secret guard.
Another orphan… Ji Huaian sighed inwardly. “Stay by my side from now on. I won’t mistreat you.”
“Thank you, Young Master.”
She glanced at the incense—it was nearly burned out. “Young Master, time’s almost up.”
He nodded and stood up.
Honglian held a towel and began drying him.
But as her fingers brushed over a sensitive spot—
Ji Huaian’s body trembled slightly, and in an instant… the dragon rose.